Apache Subversion

Free plan APILinuxMacSelf-hostedWindows

Visit Apache Subversion Alternatives Pricing

What Apache Subversion is

Apache Subversion is a free, open-source centralized version control system for individual users through large-scale enterprise operations. It can version directories, files, and their free-form key/value properties. Commits are atomic, meaning changes take effect only when the complete commit succeeds. Branches and tags use copy operations with a small, constant space requirement, and merge tracking helps follow changes between development lines. File locking is optional, and selected files can be configured to require a lock before editing. Repositories can be served through Apache HTTP Server using WebDAV/DeltaV or through svnserve, including when tunneled over SSH. The project identifies TortoiseSVN and Eclipse or NetBeans integrations as separate third-party projects rather than parts of core Subversion. The project provides source code; binary packages are maintained by volunteers or their respective projects and are not officially endorsed or maintained by Subversion. Community help is available through user and developer mailing lists. Archived releases outside currently supported versions do not receive community support.

Who it suits

Subversion suits individuals or organizations that want centralized version control and self-hosted repositories on Windows, macOS, or Linux. It may also suit teams that need optional file locking or merge tracking.

What it does well

Free, open-source version control.
Tracks directories, files, and key/value properties.
Atomic commits prevent partial changes from taking effect.
Optional file locking can be required for selected files.
Repositories can use Apache HTTP Server or svnserve.

What to know first

Binary packages are maintained by third parties or volunteers.
Archived unsupported releases lack community support.
Experimental 1.14 features have no backward-compatibility promise.

Limits

The free plan provides source code; binary packages are maintained by volunteers or their respective projects rather than by Subversion. Archived releases outside currently supported versions are not supported by the community, and experimental features in the 1.14 release notes have no backward-compatibility promise.

Plans

Plan	Billed and limits	Price
Apache Subversion	Open-source version control software · project provides source code; binary packages are maintained by third parties	Free

As subversion.apache.org lists them, read 30 Sept 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.

Getting started

Visit the Apache Subversion website.
Obtain the source code from the project download page and verify it with a PGP signature or checksum.
Choose a repository-serving route: Apache HTTP Server with WebDAV/DeltaV, or svnserve, optionally tunneled over SSH.
Use a maintained third-party binary package if you need a binary distribution.

Verdict

Subversion offers centralized versioning with atomic commits, branching, merge tracking, and optional locking. Users should distinguish the core source project from third-party binary packages and integrations.

Questions

How much does Apache Subversion cost?

The listed plan is free. It is open-source version control software.

Which version control model does Subversion use?

It uses a centralized versioning model.

Can Subversion be self-hosted?

Yes. Repositories can be served through Apache HTTP Server using WebDAV/DeltaV or through svnserve, including over SSH.

Which desktop platforms does it support?

Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Does Subversion include official binary packages?

The project provides source code. Binary packages are maintained by volunteers or their respective projects and are not officially endorsed or maintained by Subversion.

Where can users get help?

The project offers community support through user and developer mailing lists. Community support does not cover archived releases outside currently supported versions.

Facts from Apache Subversion's own pages

Branches and tags: Branching and tagging use copy operations that take a small, constant amount of space. · subversion.apache.org, 30 Sept 2026
Commits: Commits are atomic: no part takes effect until the entire commit succeeds. · subversion.apache.org, 30 Sept 2026
Experimental features: The 1.14 release notes state that experimental features have no promise of backward compatibility. · subversion.apache.org, 30 Sept 2026
File locking: File locking is optional, and files can be configured to require a lock before editing. · subversion.apache.org, 30 Sept 2026
Founded: 2000 · subversion.apache.org, 28 Sept 2026
Integrations: The project site identifies TortoiseSVN and IDE integrations such as Eclipse and NetBeans as separate third-party projects outside the core Subversion offering. · subversion.apache.org, 30 Sept 2026
Merge tracking: Subversion provides automated assistance for tracking changes between development lines and merging branches. · subversion.apache.org, 30 Sept 2026
Platforms: The project distributes source code and lists third-party binary packages for Windows, macOS, Linux distributions, and other operating systems. · subversion.apache.org, 30 Sept 2026
Purpose: Apache Subversion is an open-source, centralized version control system intended for users ranging from individuals to large-scale enterprise operations. · subversion.apache.org, 30 Sept 2026
Release support limits: The download page says archived releases other than currently supported versions are not supported by the community. · subversion.apache.org, 30 Sept 2026
Release verification: The download page recommends verifying source downloads with PGP signatures and provides checksums as an alternative. · subversion.apache.org, 30 Sept 2026
Security: The project directs vulnerability reports to the Apache Software Foundation security process and publishes a list of past advisories. · subversion.apache.org, 30 Sept 2026
Server options: Repositories can be served through Apache HTTP Server using WebDAV/DeltaV or through the standalone svnserve server, which can also be tunneled over SSH. · subversion.apache.org, 30 Sept 2026
Support: The project offers community support through user and developer mailing lists; binary packages are maintained by volunteers or their respective projects, not officially endorsed or maintained by Subversion. · subversion.apache.org, 30 Sept 2026
Versioned items: Directories, files, and their free-form key/value properties can be versioned. · subversion.apache.org, 30 Sept 2026